Lemon Bars with a Buttery Crust

This is one of the most time-honored summer desserts in the whole world. I can’t get enough of Classic Lemon Bars and I don’t think I’m alone in that sentiment. I’ve been enjoying these since I was a child when my mother would make them. Now I make them a lot for my own family and I also make them a lot in the summer for my catering clients. When I’m serving these at a party, I cut them up into very small squares and they’re very elegant on a dessert platter. 

The concept of this dessert is so simple. It’s a delicious shortbread crust, all buttery and soft, with a thick layer of lemon curd on top. It’s literally the easiest concept and they taste so beyond amazing. I love it when a dessert like this hits the magic formula of being simultaneously simple yet a truly beloved recipe I never tire of. It's easy enough for a beginning baker to make these if they’re ready to move beyond simple cookies and quick breads. To make mine extra fancy I add a pretty layer of powdered sugar on top. It’s really completes the whole look! 

I hope you enjoy these Classic Lemon Bars this summer. I recommend packing them in lunchboxes or taking them to potlucks. They’re also really nice to have around the house when you’re in the mood for a little sweet bite. If you’re having a luncheon or dinner party, cut the squares up into smaller pieces and place them on a platter for your guests to enjoy.  

Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, but there have been times when I’ve eaten one for breakfast with some yogurt on top. I mean, its fruit, right? Maybe that’s going a little too far, but it goes to show you that a batch of these won’t last very long in your house. Enjoy! 

Lemon Bars with a Buttery Crust  

These are one of the most classic summer desserts of all time. I love having them around the house or taking them to backyard bbq’s! 

Ingredients 

For the crust: 

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 

• ¼ cup powdered sugar 

• ½ tsp salt 

• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into pieces) 

For the filling: 

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour 

• 4 large eggs 

• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons) 

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons) 

• ¼ tsp salt 

• Powdered sugar (for dusting) 

Instructions 

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). 

2. Make the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. 

3. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. 

4. Bake the lemon bars: Pour the filling over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. 

5. Cool and serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares. 

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.